Michael Canu

Born on August 15, 1942, to the late John and Elizabeth Canu, Mike lived a life defined by hard work, deep love for his family and an extraordinary gift for connecting with people.

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before following his entrepreneurial spirit and founding several successful businesses, including Vartek, UNAC and 2M. He took immense pride in building those companies, but even more in the relationships he formed along the way. Later in life, he found a natural fit in the insurance industry, where his warmth and ability to connect with people served him just as well as his business instincts.

Mike never met a stranger. Whether waiting in line, traveling or simply running errands, he had a remarkable gift for striking up conversations that often ended with someone sharing their life story. He possessed a genuine curiosity about people and made everyone he met feel welcome, heard and valued. To Mike, every conversation was an opportunity to make a new friend.

As much as Mike loved his work, nothing brought him greater happiness than his family. He was a devoted husband to Maryann, his beloved wife of 50 years, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter and cherished traditions. Family vacations created lifelong memories, holidays were celebrated with enthusiasm and the dining table was the heart of the home. Mike loved to cook, but the meals he prepared were about far more than food. They were an invitation to gather, linger, share family stories, laugh until your sides hurt and enjoy one another's company. Some of his family's most treasured memories were made around that table.

Mike is survived by his five children: Christine Secone; Jennifer Dokish and her husband, Chris; Elizabeth Simmons and her husband, Fred; Cathy Canu; and Michael Canu Jr. and his wife, Shannon. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Melissa Leonor and her husband, RJ, Michael A. Canu, Chyanne Secone, and Cayla Secone; and six great-grandchildren, Kayden, Caleb, Riley, Aurora, Addison, and M.J.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maryann Ellen Canu; his son-in-law, Anthony Secone; and his faithful dogs, Walter and Hachi.

Those who knew Mike will remember not only his work ethic and accomplishments, but the way he made every person feel like a friend. His stories, his laughter, his generous heart and the traditions he created with his family will continue to live on in the countless memories shared around dinner tables, on family vacations and whenever loved ones gather together.

A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, NC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Canu family at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service

Southport, North Carolina